Few cars manage to live up to their high billing, but the Skoda Superb is one of them, and its name says it all.
It’s a worthy flagship for Skoda, and a very appealing proposition – offering affordability and spaciousness that you just don’t get from most of its rivals.
It’s been enhanced for 2019 with a revised look, as well as interior tweaks and new advanced technologies. Importantly a new plug-in hybrid powertrain has also been added to the line-up.
It continues to be available as a five-door hatch or a versatile estate, too, and if you’re looking to buy one, here’s what you need to know…
What engines are available?
Plenty of engine options are available on the Superb, with the range beginning with a 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine paired to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. You’ll only find this on the entry-level ‘S’ trim.
Up next is the popular 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is available with either 148bhp or 187bhp. Choose the former and you can have it with a six-speed manual or the seven-speed automatic transmission, though the more powerful variant is only available with a DSG. The 148bhp version is also the most efficient of the diesel units – returning up to a claimed 55.4mpg, along with CO2 emissions of just 102g/km.
A benefit of the 187bhp version, though, is that you can pick it with front- or all-wheel-drive – the latter offering additional grip and traction, though with slightly higher running costs.
Moving over to the petrol options, the range kickstarts with a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is offered with manual or automatic transmissions, as well as a versatile 2.0-litre turbocharged unit. This larger engine is only paired to DSG automatic transmissions and is available in powerful outputs of 187bhp or 268bhp – the latter being all-wheel-drive only. The 268bhp engine is the most powerful in the line-up – reaching 0-60mph in just 5.4 seconds and reaching a claimed top speed of 155mph.
We also can’t forget about the new plug-in hybrid, which sees a 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor to produce a combined 215bhp, while also being able to travel for 35 miles just on electricity. CO2 emissions are as low as 35g/km, too.
What trim levels are offered?
S – from £24,365 (hatch)/£25,645 (estate)
Standard kit includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, cruise control and air-conditioning. It also features an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as keyless start and autonomous emergency braking.
SE – from £24,475 (hatch)/£25,755 (estate)
Make the jump to SE and it adds 17-inch alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control and manual lumbar support. It also features plenty of additional safety kit – including adaptive cruise control, a driver fatigue sensor and parking sensors.
SE L – from £27,725 (hatch)/£29,005 (estate)
The popular SE L gains 18-inch alloy wheels, full adaptive Matrix LED headlights and dynamic indicators. Other luxurious touches include leather upholstery, heated front seats, an electric driver’s seats and an electric boot. It also features keyless entry, satellite navigation, blind spot monitoring and an in-built Wi-Fi hot spot.
See Available Superb dealsSportLine Plus – from £32,860 (hatch)/£34,140 (estate)
In addition to SE L, this sporty-looking version adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black styling kit, Alcantara sports seats, a black headlining and LED interior lighting. You also get a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen with a 3D satellite navigation and selectable drive modes.
Laurin & Klement – from £35,410 (hatch)/£36,690 (estate)
This flagship version loses out on some of the sportiness in favour of luxury – featuring classy 18-inch alloy wheels, perforated ventilated leather seats, heated rear seats and an electric passenger seat. Other features include a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera, a Canton sound system, lane-keep assist and park assist. It certainly doesn’t leave you wanting.
What about personalisation?
Given this is a popular fleet model, the Superb isn’t available with a great number of options, with the standard colour palette not being particularly inspiring. Blue Energy is the no-cost colour option, with dark browns, greys and dark blues making up the metallic finishes. More expensive trims get better colours – the Laurin & Klement featuring Velvet Red, while the SportLine Plus can be had in stylish Race Blue or luminous Dragon Green metallic.
Various alloy wheels are also available – ranging up to 19 inches – while an interesting rough road package can be chosen, too – raising the suspension by 15mm. In terms of more conventional options, buyers can choose a massaging driver’s seat for £155, along with a panoramic sunroof for £1,180. Traffic sign recognition could also be a worthy option at £90, too.
Plenty of accessories can also be added, too – including roof racks, roof boxes and bumper protection – the latter being ideal if you have dogs to prevent scratches and small marks.